Game of Thrones was known for its visceral, exciting battle scenes, and this week's episode of prequel series, House of the Dragon, rivaled its predecessor's most epic moments with a climactic skirmish between Daemon Targaryen (eventually joined by Corlys Velaryon's forces) and the sinister Craghas Drahar, aka the Crabfeeder.
"Second of his Name" begins after a three-year time-jump, with Daemon - who barely utters a word for the entire episode and his dragon Caraxes attempting to decimate the Crabfeeder's forces. Unfortunately, even the dragon's fire is unable to inflict much damage before being forced to flee by some well-placed archers. The king's brother and the Sea Snake have been taking heavy losses over the course of this war, and Viserys ultimately decides to send three ships to join the fight. This doesn't sit well with Daemon (don't shoot the messenger means nothing to this guy), who sets off to face the Crabfeeder alone.
After feigning surrender by giving up his sword, Dark Sister, the Targaryen warriors manages to cut through numerous foes before being brought down by several arrows. As multiple enemies close in, Corlys and his men arrive with Laenor Velaryon riding a new dragon known as Seasmoke. The Crabfeeder's army is soundly defeated, and Daemon finishes the grayscale-afflicted villain by slicing him in two (off-screen) and dragging his torso on to the battlefield.
We thought this guy might prove to be a larger presence on the show after his ominous introduction last week, but then the main conflict is clearly going to spring from within the titular House of the Dragon as we build towards the devastating civil war known as the Dance of Dragons.
Viserys may have assumed Rhaenyra that he has no intention of supplanting her with his infant son Aegon, but as her aunt Rhaenys pointed out, “men would sooner put the realm to the torch than see a woman ascend the Iron Throne,” so he may not have much choice when the boy comes of age.
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